Formulation and Characterization of Aceclofenac -Aloe vera Transemulgel

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Aceclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), poses risks of gastric ulceration with oral administration.
• Topical drug delivery offers a potential route to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize systemic side effects.
• Aloe vera possesses known anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, making it a suitable candidate for topical formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and characterize an aceclofenac transemulgel using Aloe vera as a gel base.
• To evaluate the in-vitro drug release, skin irritation, and stability of the developed transemulgel.
• To assess the in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the aceclofenac-Aloe vera transemulgel compared to a commercial formulation.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of aceclofenac transemulgel using aqueous Aloe vera gel and an aceclofenac emulsion.
• Physical characterization including pH, viscosity, and drug content.
• In-vitro drug diffusion studies and accelerated stability testing.
• Pharmacodynamic evaluation using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in Wistar albino rats.

Main Results:

• The aceclofenac-Aloe vera transemulgel exhibited a pH of 6.78 and viscosity of 18 cps.
• In-vitro diffusion studies indicated enhanced permeation characteristics and superior drug release compared to commercial aceclofenac gel.
• Topical application showed no signs of skin irritation, and stability studies confirmed formulation integrity.
• In-vivo studies demonstrated significant reduction in paw edema, indicating potent anti-inflammatory activity (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Aceclofenac can be effectively formulated into a transemulgel using Aloe vera as a natural gel base.
• The developed transemulgel enhances therapeutic efficiency and reduces potential side effects associated with oral NSAID administration.
• Aloe vera-based transemulgel represents a promising topical delivery system for aceclofenac, offering improved anti-inflammatory outcomes.